Detection of genetically modified maize in Jordan

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Food Safety
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Genetically Modified Maize (GMM) is increasingly prevalent in global agriculture.
• Accurate detection methods are crucial for regulatory compliance and consumer safety.
• Jordan imports various maize hybrids, necessitating an understanding of their genetic modification status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect genetically modified maize (GMM) events in eleven imported maize hybrids grown in Jordan.
• To screen for general transgenic markers (35S promoter, T-nos terminator) and specific events (Bt11, MON810, Bt176).
• To provide foundational data for GMM detection in Jordan and inform regulatory practices.

Main Methods:

• Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed for detection.
• Screening utilized the 35S promoter and T-nos terminator as general markers for transgenic material.
• Specific PCR assays targeted Bt11, MON810, and Bt176 genetic modification events.

Main Results:

• All eleven maize hybrid samples tested positive for the 35S promoter.
• Nine out of eleven samples showed a positive response for the T-nos terminator.
• The Bt11 event was detected in seven out of eleven samples, being the most prevalent GMM event. The Bt176 event was found in two samples, while MON810 was not detected.

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first investigation of the Bt11 event in imported GMM seeds in Jordan.
• The findings underscore the importance of implementing a mandatory labeling system for GMM.
• A simple, valid qualitative method is needed for routine analysis of genetically modified crops (GMCs).